Custom work cutting of paraffin sections from existing blocks

SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE 1. Solicitation Number: HHS-NIH-NIDA(AG)-SBSS-2018-113 2. Title: Custom work cutting of paraffin sections from existing blocks. 3. Classification Code: R - Professional, admistrative and management support services 4. NAICS Code: 541990 - All Other Professional, Scientific, and Techinncal Services 5. Description: This is a Small Business Sources Sought notice. This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this notice is to obtain information regarding: (1) the availability and capability of qualified small business sources; (2) whether they are small businesses; HUBZone small businesses; service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses; 8(a) small businesses; veteran-owned small businesses; woman-owned small businesses; or small disadvantaged businesses; and (3) their size classification relative to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for the proposed acquisition. Your responses to the information requested will assist the Government in determining the appropriate acquisition method, including whether a set-aside is possible. An organization that is not considered a small business under the applicable NAICS code should not submit a response to this notice. This notice is issued to help determine the availability of qualified companies technically capable of meeting the Government requirement and to determine the method of acquisition. It is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract. Responses will not be considered as proposals or quotes. No award will be made as a result of this notice. The Government will NOT be responsible for any costs incurred by the respondents to this notice. This notice is strictly for research and information purposes only. Background: Our Unit has recovered highly unique 45 year old brain specimens from an old clinical trial. We consider these specimens to be a scientific treasure with potentially important implications for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. We intend to perform multiple immunohistochemistry assays on these brain sections after they are sectioned and slides are made. Purpose and Objectives: The contractor shall provide custom work cutting of paraffin sections from existing blocks. These specimens are formalin-fixed blocks using a unique "hard" paraffin (containing a plastic) to embed. These old techniques and materials used to embed these specimens are very different than modern techniques, creating highly unique challenges for sectioning without damaging or losing the precious tissues. Project requirements: Independently and not as an agent of the Government, the Contractor shall furnish all the necessary services, qualified personnel, material, equipment, and facilities, not otherwise provided by the Government as needed to perform the Statement of Work below: - Custom work cutting of paraffin sections from existing blocks is required. These specimens are formalin-fixed blocks using a unique "hard" paraffin (containing a plastic) to embed. These old techniques and materials used to embed these specimens are very different than modern techniques, creating highly unique challenges for sectioning without damaging or losing the precious tissues. - The Government will provide the samples to be cut by the contractor and after cutting the contractor shall return the 212 cut samples to the Government. Anticipated period of performance: May 1, 2018 - July 31, 2018 Capability statement /information sought. Contractors that believe tht they possess the ability to provide the project requirements to the National Institute on Aging should submit documentation on their ability to meet each of the project requirements to the Contract Specialist. Interested organizations must demonstrate and document in any response submitted to this market survey extensive experience with and their ability to perform all of the specialized requirements elsewhere described. The respondent must also provide their DUNS number, organization name, address, point of contact, and size and type of business (e.g., 8(a), HubZone, etc., pursuant to the applicable NAICS code and any other information that may be helpful in developing or finalizing the acquisition requirements. One (1) copy of the response is required and must be in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format using 11-point or 12-point font, 8-1/2" x 11" paper size, with 1" top, bottom, left and right margins, and with single or double spacing. The information submitted must be must be in and outline format that addresses each of the elements of the project requirement and in the capability statement /information sought paragraphs stated herein. A cover page and an executive summary may be included but is not required. The response is limited to ten (10) page limit. The 10-page limit does not include the cover page, executive summary, or references, if requested. The response must include the respondents' technical and administrative points of contact, including names, titles, addresses, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail addresses. All responses to this notice must be submitted electronically to the Contract Specialist. Facsimile responses are NOT accepted. The response must be submitted to Jermaine Duncan at e-mail address jermaine.duncan@nih.gov. The response must be received on or before March 27, 2018 at 2:00pm, Eastern Time. "Disclaimer and Important Notes: This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in response. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed to allow the Government to determine the organization's qualifications to perform the work. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. After a review of the responses received, a presolicitation synopsis and solicitation may be published in Federal Business Opportunities. However, responses to this notice will not be considered adequate responses to a solicitation. Confidentiality: No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response. The Government reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s)."